Crude Oil, Copper Rise on Bank Stimulus Hopes

Crude oil and copper prices are on the upswing as risk appetite firms across financial markets following reports that central banks are preparing to step in to stabilize financial markets if the weekend’s much-feared Greek election outcome generates widespread dislocation. Reuters cited a G20 cited official saying the world’s top monetary authorities would provide liquidity if credit conditions seize up while BOEGovernor Mervyn King unveiled a credit-easing program meant to feed funding to UK banks set to launch next week. Gold and silver are treading water, unwilling to decline as Greece-linked jitters linger but lacking the acute panic needed to fuel a rally.

S&P 500 stock index futures are pointing higher ahead of the opening bell on Wall Street, but the risk of liquidation remains high as traders turn defensive into the close of the trading week. The US economic data docket may prove to be the catalyst for a turn-around in sentiment. The University of Michigan gauge of consumer confidence is expected to tick lower and New York State manufacturing activity slows in June. Industrial production is likewise forecast to decelerate. Such an outcome promises to reboot demand for haven assets, pushing the US dollar higher.

Comex E-Mini Copper (NY Close): $3.354 // +0.014 // +0.42%

Prices continue to tread water below resistance at 3.384, the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement. A break above this boundary targets the 38.2% Fib at 3.474. Double bottom support comes in at 3.250.

WTI Crude Oil (NY Close): $83.91 // +1.29 // +1.56%

Prices broke higher after putting in a bullish Piercing Line candlestick pattern above support at 81.07, the 23.6% Fibonacci expansion, as expected. The bulls now aim to challenge the June 7 high at the 87.00 figure. The 14.6% Fib at 83.30 has been recast as near-term support.